The Ukranian Security Service neutralized a criminal group in the Chernivtsi region

The SBU detained a gang in Bukovyna that "earned" more than $100,000 a month from evasion

The Security Service and the National Police neutralized a criminal group in the Chernivtsi region, which created a channel for illegal departure of men of draft age outside of Ukraine. For money, the perpetrators transferred the evaders to a neighboring European country through pre-prepared "forest paths".

According to the available data, the members of the gang received more than 100 thousand US dollars of "profit" per month.

In order to induce conscripts to flee abroad, the perpetrators "guaranteed the reliability of routes" bypassing checkpoints.

In addition, the organizer of the group promised his clients "protection" from justice if they were detained while illegally crossing the state border.

SBU officers documented the gang's criminal activities and arrested its organizer along with four of his accomplices.

According to the investigation, the group was created by a 44-year-old resident of Bukovyna. He involved his acquaintances, including persons with a criminal past, in illegal activities.

So, for example, one of the members of the gang previously served time for serious crimes.

Through their own connections, they sought out potential conscripts and offered them their assistance in escaping abroad.

The cost of "services" was estimated from 3 to 5 thousand US dollars, depending on the urgency of the departure.

This amount included counseling clients on behavior during the covert crossing of the state border and their "escorting" to the neighboring country.

During more than 20 searches of residences and cars of detainees, the following was seized:
▪️ mobile phones, SIM cards and draft records with evidence of illegal activity;
▪️ large sums of cash, probably obtained through criminal means.

Currently, all detainees have been notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine, committed by an organized group).

Perpetrators face up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property.